It Feels Like Magic – Creating a Leadership & Management System That Works

In this energizing and practical episode, Susan and Debbie introduce a powerful leadership tool they call the Leadership and Management System (LMS)—a deceptively simple, highly effective way to create clarity, momentum, and alignment across any organization. From high-stakes Boeing projects to startup chaos, they share how this system brings people together, drives results, and fosters a culture where excellence isn’t left to chance—it’s designed and lived. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your leadership journey, this episode will leave you inspired—and equipped—to build your own leadership and management system.

 

⏰ Episode Breakdown & Key Highlights:

00:01 – A “magical” leadership tool?
Debbie kicks off the episode with a wink to the transformative (but practical) nature of today’s topic: a leadership and management system. Susan and Debbie reaffirm the Seasons Leadership mission: making excellent leadership the worldwide standard.

00:40 – What is excellent leadership, really?
Susan defines excellent leadership as a way of being, doing, and serving—inspiring others toward the greater good. Debbie adds that leadership requires creating strong relationships and setting a clear direction.

01:26 – Leadership vs. Management: Don't blur the lines
Susan reflects on how many (including herself) use “leadership” and “management” interchangeably—but they’re different.

•  Leadership = People, direction, and purpose
•  Management = Processes, plans, and coordination
  Debbie explains that both are essential and often must coexist within the same individual—especially in smaller or fast-moving organizations.

02:25 – A helpful comparison + Peter Drucker wisdom
Susan shares a comparison from the Daniels College of Business:

•  Leaders align with mission, monitor motivation, and set direction. 
•  Managers organize, staff, and monitor performance.
  Debbie adds Peter Drucker’s classic quote: “Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.”

03:20 – Wearing multiple hats with intention
Great leaders know when they’re acting as a leader, a manager—or even a coach. Susan and Debbie emphasize the importance of switching hats with awareness, especially in complex or fast-changing environments.

04:30 – Introducing the Leadership and Management System (LMS)
Debbie unveils the big concept: A shared, transparent system that aligns everyone in an organization around how leadership and management are practiced. This tool sets expectations and eliminates confusion about how decisions are made, priorities are set, and progress is tracked.

05:28 – The essential elements of an LMS
Susan and Debbie walk through what every Leadership and Management System should include:

•  Vision: Where the organization is headed
•  Mission: Why it exists
•  Values: Behavioral expectations and decision-making guardrails
•  Operating Principles & Practices: How people work together
•  Stakeholders: Who is invested in the organization’s success
•  Processes: Step-by-step actions that guide consistent outcomes

07:16 – Why leaders should start with a system
Susan stresses the importance of beginning with values and operating principles—setting a cultural and directional foundation. A clear LMS helps avoid misalignment and chaos.

08:21 – Startup story: Creating order from chaos
Susan shares how she applied a Leadership and Management System in a startup environment where people were doing “everything, all at once.” By introducing structure and rhythm (starting with the Business Plan Review, or BPR), the team gained clarity, focus, and measurable progress—even amid constant innovation.

10:28 – Good intentions aren’t enough
Debbie points out that even with great intentions, teams can pull in different directions if there’s no unifying system. Once the system is in place, the transformation can be dramatic.

11:48 – Building buy-in: From skepticism to momentum
Susan acknowledges that creatives may resist structure at first—but when they start seeing progress, enthusiasm grows. Structure doesn't stifle creativity—it channels it.

12:57 – Helping individuals see their role in the bigger picture
Debbie explains how a strong LMS connects individual roles to the organization’s overall success. This fosters motivation and engagement—people understand why they’re doing what they’re doing.

13:47 – A motivating force for teams
Susan shares that when people feel aligned with the vision and mission, they’re more likely to be engaged, excited, and productive. A good system connects the dots for everyone.

14:24 – Legendary example: Alan Mulally’s “Working Together” system
Susan reflects on her time working with Alan on the Boeing 777 program. His “Working Together” system included:

•  Direct involvement from all functions
•  Inclusion of all stakeholders
•  Transparency and alignment
  This system drove a culture of accountability and unity—producing extraordinary results in both aerospace and automotive industries (Boeing and later, Ford).

18:48 – The leader must model the system
Debbie makes it clear: You can’t delegate this. If the leader isn’t committed, the system will fail. Successful systems are lived from the top.

20:00 – Another example: Baldrige + Boeing Defense
Debbie shares her experience implementing the Baldrige Excellence Framework in a defense division at Boeing. Initially unsure of what a “leadership system” even was, they defined their own—borrowing elements from Alan’s system and tailoring it to their organization. The result? Widespread adoption, better alignment, and proud employees who understood the “why” behind their work.

22:16 – It caught on like wildfire
Debbie describes how teams began pointing to the LMS during presentations—embedding it into the fabric of how they worked. It created a shared language and rhythm.

23:19 – Simple but not easy
Susan reflects on how the concept is straightforward, but consistency is the challenge. The system only works when leaders commit to using it every day.

23:43 – The LMS Checklist (Recap)
Debbie and Susan summarize the core elements again:

•  Vision
•  Mission
•  Values
•  Operating Principles & Practices
•  Stakeholders
•  Processes
  And remember: The leader must own it and be relentless in applying it. 

24:17 – Your leadership challenge
Create your own Leadership & Management System—or review the one you have. Is it complete? Is it working?

24:46 – Need help? Seasons Leadership is here
Susan invites listeners to explore their Elemental Leadership course and reach out for guidance in building an LMS tailored to your organization.

24:53 – Until next time… 

Debbie signs off with a final word of encouragement: “Go do good things.”

 

💬 Join the Conversation:
Debbie and Susan would love to hear your insights. Share your leadership journey with the Seasons Leadership community on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seasons-leadership-development/ 

 

🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights.
👍 Rate & Review to help others discover the Seasons Leadership Podcast.
📩 Share this episode with a fellow leader ready to lead with purpose.